Mr AJ

Mr AJ was convicted in July 1996 of rape and received a sentence of seven years’ imprisonment.

The CCRC received an application for review of the conviction in July 1997.

At trial, expert evidence was given that medical examination of the complainant had revealed physical features supporting the complainant’s allegations of buggery.

However, the trial expert’s professional methods and objectivity had been subsequently subjected to strong criticism in a libel case.

In addition, the CCRC considered new evidence regarding the interpretation of sexual injuries on the complainant, as well as sensitive new evidence that impacted the reliability of the evidence of a key witness at trial.

The CCRC referred the conviction in August 2001.

The Court of Appeal quashed the conviction in December 2003.